WASHINGTON (AP) — Three people have been arrested for stabbing a teen near the Howard Theatre earlier this week in northwest Washington, and police are calling the incident a hate crime.

Police say a 16-year-old boy got into a fight with two men and a woman on a busy street Tuesday night. Investigators say anti-gay slurs were used in the assault.

Police are charging Desmond Campbell, Ali Jackson and Alyonica Jackson with assault with a dangerous weapon and the hate crime enhancement. According to court documents, investigators believe Campbell put the teen in a headlock from behind while Ali Jackson stabbed him several times. Alyonica Jackson helped hold the boy down.

The teen was taken to Howard University Hospital in serious condition.\

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